Nationwide, January 2, 2026
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinals concluded with thrilling matchups, solidifying the semifinals set for January 2026. After an action-packed day, the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, Oregon Ducks, Ole Miss Rebels, and Miami Hurricanes emerged victorious. Indiana dominated Alabama in the Rose Bowl, while Ole Miss secured a last-minute win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Oregon’s defensive strength led to a shutout against Texas Tech. Miami overcame Ohio State in a notable upset, advancing to face Ole Miss. Fans eagerly anticipate the semifinal matchups in the CFP.
Nationwide
College Football Playoff Semifinals Set After Thrilling Quarterfinal Battles
The landscape of college football’s postseason has dramatically shifted as the College Football Playoff (CFP) Quarterfinals concluded on Thursday, January 1, 2026, delivering upsets and dominant performances that solidified the matchups for the semifinals. Following a week of intense competition, four teams have emerged to continue their pursuit of the national championship.
The quarterfinals, held on New Year’s Day, saw top-ranked teams face formidable challenges, with the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, No. 5 Oregon Ducks, No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels, and No. 10 Miami Hurricanes advancing to the next stage. Their victories set the stage for two highly anticipated semifinal clashes scheduled for January 8 and 9, 2026.
Quarterfinal Round Highlights: Dominance and Close Calls
The path to the semifinals was paved with compelling matchups across the nation. The action kicked off even before New Year’s Day, with a significant upset in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, where the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes stunned the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes with a 24-14 victory in Arlington, Texas. Miami’s defense made critical plays, including a 72-yard interception return for a touchdown, to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Orange Bowl: Oregon Shuts Down Texas Tech
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, the No. 5 Oregon Ducks showcased a stifling defensive effort to defeat the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders 23-0 in the Capital One Orange Bowl, held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Ducks’ defense was instrumental, forcing four turnovers and allowing only 215 total yards of offense against a Texas Tech team that entered the game ranked highly in points and yards per game. Quarterback Dante Moore contributed with 234 passing yards, while Jordon Davison rushed for two touchdowns, and Atticus Sappington added three field goals to seal the win.
Rose Bowl: Indiana Dominates Alabama
In the iconic Rose Bowl, the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers delivered a commanding 38-3 performance against the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide in Pasadena, California. The Hoosiers, making their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1968, dominated the game from the outset, scoring the first 24 points. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdown passes and passed for 192 yards, leading Indiana to their first-ever Rose Bowl victory and extending their impressive 25-2 record under coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana outgained Alabama 407-193 in total yards.
Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss Edges Georgia in Thriller
The New Year’s Day action concluded with a thrilling contest in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, where the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels secured a dramatic 39-34 victory over the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game remained tight until the final moments, with Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro making a 47-yard field goal in the closing seconds to break a 34-34 tie. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had a historic performance, throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Rebels to a crucial win and a spot in the CFP semifinals. Ole Miss outgained Georgia 473-344.
Upcoming College Football Playoff Semifinals
With the quarterfinal dust settled, the stage is now set for the College Football Playoff Semifinals. These high-stakes games will determine which two teams will battle for the national championship.
- The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9, 2026.
- The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels will take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The winners of these two contests will then advance to the National Championship Game, scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
Other Bowl Games Scheduled for January 2, 2026
While the College Football Playoff dominates the headlines, several other bowl games are scheduled for Friday, January 2, 2026, offering more collegiate football action to fans.
- The Armed Forces Bowl will feature Rice against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas, with kickoff at 1:00 p.m. ET.
- The Liberty Bowl will see Navy take on Cincinnati in Memphis, Tennessee, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
- The Duke’s Mayo Bowl will pit Mississippi State against Wake Forest in Charlotte, North Carolina, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
- The Holiday Bowl will feature Arizona battling SMU in San Diego, California, also at 8:00 p.m. ET.
FAQ
What were the results of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals on January 1, 2026?
On January 1, 2026, the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals saw the No. 5 Oregon Ducks defeat the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders 23-0 in the Orange Bowl, the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers defeat the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, and the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels defeat the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl. The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes had previously won their quarterfinal game against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 on December 31, 2025, in the Cotton Bowl.
Which teams are advancing to the College Football Playoff Semifinals?
The teams advancing to the College Football Playoff Semifinals are the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, No. 5 Oregon Ducks, No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels, and No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.
When and where are the College Football Playoff Semifinals taking place?
The College Football Playoff Semifinals will take place on January 8 and 9, 2026. The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels will take on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9, 2026.
What other bowl games are scheduled for January 2, 2026?
On January 2, 2026, other bowl games include the Armed Forces Bowl (Rice vs. Texas State), Liberty Bowl (Navy vs. Cincinnati), Duke’s Mayo Bowl (Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest), and Holiday Bowl (Arizona vs. SMU).
Key Features of Recent College Football Bowl Games (Nationwide)
| Game (Scope: Nationwide) | Date (Scope: Nationwide) | Teams (Scope: Nationwide) | Result (Scope: Nationwide) | Location (Scope: Nationwide) | Significance (Scope: Nationwide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Bowl | December 31, 2025 | No. 10 Miami vs. No. 2 Ohio State | Miami 24, Ohio State 14 | Arlington, Texas | CFP Quarterfinal; Miami advances to Semifinals. |
| Orange Bowl | January 1, 2026 | No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Texas Tech | Oregon 23, Texas Tech 0 | Miami Gardens, Florida | CFP Quarterfinal; Oregon advances to Semifinals. |
| Rose Bowl | January 1, 2026 | No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama | Indiana 38, Alabama 3 | Pasadena, California | CFP Quarterfinal; Indiana advances to Semifinals; First Rose Bowl win for Indiana. |
| Sugar Bowl | January 1, 2026 | No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 3 Georgia | Ole Miss 39, Georgia 34 | New Orleans, Louisiana | CFP Quarterfinal; Ole Miss advances to Semifinals. |
| Armed Forces Bowl | January 2, 2026 | Rice vs. Texas State | Scheduled | Fort Worth, Texas | Regular Bowl Game. |
| Liberty Bowl | January 2, 2026 | Navy vs. Cincinnati | Scheduled | Memphis, Tennessee | Regular Bowl Game. |
| Duke’s Mayo Bowl | January 2, 2026 | Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest | Scheduled | Charlotte, North Carolina | Regular Bowl Game. |
| Holiday Bowl | January 2, 2026 | Arizona vs. SMU | Scheduled | San Diego, California | Regular Bowl Game. |
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